Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease that is transmitted by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through sex, blood, as well as oral and other bodily fluids. Because no vaccine or cure exists to treat HIV or AIDS, it is very important that people are educated about this disease. Some basic information on AIDS and HIV is that, for prevention, you should always have safe sex, and always get tested to prevent the spread of this disease.

What are some symptoms of AIDS or HIV?
The danger is that there often are little to no symptoms of infection in the early stages. A patient might get a fever, rash or headache in the first few weeks or a patient might experience no symptoms at all. However, one of the first warning signs of HIV is swollen lymph nodes that do not go away. It often takes 10 years for HIV infection to progress into AIDS, and by this time a patient's immune system is so compromised that they will often get sick. Always consult your doctor or clinic for specific information on AIDS and HIV symptoms.

When should I be tested?
The CDC recommends that sexually active adults not in monogamous relationships be tested for all STDs at least once a year to ensure early treatment and prevention.

Where can I get tested?
At your doctor or local health clinic. If you are concerned about privacy or want to remain anonymous, you can buy a test, the Home Access HIV-1 test (which is the only home test approved by the FDA) which allows you to remain confidential while testing a home. To get your results you are given a special number when you call, so that you never have to give your name at all.

Local STD TestingIf you're active, then you should be tested regularly, so visit our local Glen Riddle Lima area Aids information and testing center. We'll have you tested and get your results fast at our Aids information and testing center in Glen Riddle Lima.

Any Lab Test Now®Visit our site for Aids Information and details on the many tests we can provide. In addition to Aids Testing, we offer cholesterol testing, drug testing, EKG, and more for Glen Riddle Lima-area residents.

With no vaccine or cure foreseeable in the immediate future, the greatest resource for fighting the transmission and spread of AIDS and HIV is information. Information services include messages in print, video, music or other formats about what people can do to prevent becoming infected or infecting others. Statistics show that people who are informed about how the virus is transmitted are better able to keep themselves well.

Private and public health clinics and those working in the health industry are trained to provide quality antibody testing and treatment for people suffering from the symptoms of AIDS or HIV. Many clinics provide free or low cost testing. Anonymous testing means that the patient's name is never known, while confidential testing means that the patient's name is known and there might be a written result, but the results are kept private, whether negative or positive. Results are usually available rapidly. Close monitoring and early treatment increase the patient's long-term health, and early testing is particularly important for pregnant women, as the virus can be spread to the baby. There are treatments available to help reduce the risk of the mother passing the immune system virus to the baby.

Health workers, HIV and AIDS clinics, doctors, researchers and others in the health field work together to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS and to provide the best possible care to patients with symptoms of these viruses. These patients benefit from the peace of mind and quality care resulting from the knowledge, expertise and passion of health care workers.